Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it the policy of the Government to instruct the Environment Agency to install a comprehensive inspection regime for HS2 tunnelling operations beneath the Misbourne Valley; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
The Environment Agency has worked with HS2 Ltd to agree a sufficient monitoring system operated by HS2 Ltd and its contractors to manage the risks posed by the tunnelling operations in the Misbourne Valley. The Environment Agency regularly checks compliance with approvals or permits issued for the construction of High Speed Two along the length of the Phase One route.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Planning Inspectorate received the revised Habitats Regulations Assessment from Natural England in respect of proposals for the coastal path between Kimmeridge and Highcliffe; whether there will be a public inquiry into the issues raised; and whether representations and objections raised within the last three years will be taken into account in any such inquiry; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
Defra received the outcome of the revised Habitats Regulations Assessment from Natural England in respect of proposals for the coastal path between Kimmeridge and Highcliffe on 3 March 2021. We will pass the revised Habitats Regulations Assessment to the Planning Inspectorate in due course, so that it can be considered as part of their investigation into the objections relating to this stretch.
As stated in the ministerial response of 11 February 2021 and 23 March 2021, the Planning Inspectorate plays an independent role in the determination of objections relating to stretches of the England Coast Path. The way in which this is taken forward is a decision for the inspector appointed to investigate the objections. It would not be appropriate for the Secretary of State to comment on this process, including as to whether a public inquiry will be undertaken.
The Secretary of State will comment on the proposals, objections and representations when making his determination on the approval of the stretch.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it the policy of the Government to promote the substitution of cane sugar for beet sugar on environmental grounds; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Baroness Prentis of Banbury
Now that we have left the EU we are looking to deliver the greatest possible benefit for both the UK cane refining sector and the UK beet sector. As the UK has a sugar deficit it is important that a diversity of supply is available. Having at least two sources of sugar is important for competitiveness and food security.
The UK Government's approach seeks to balance strategic trade objectives, such as the delivery of the UK's trade ambitions and FTA trade agenda, whilst maintaining the Government's commitment to developing countries to reduce poverty through trade. The Government is committed to making sure that any future trade agreements work for consumers, farmers and businesses across the UK and ensuring that we will not compromise on our high environmental protection.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 March 2021 to Question 153108, when he the Planning Inspector appointed in 2017 will be requested to decide whether or not to hold a public inquiry into objections to the Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe coastal footpath; and whether new representations will be invited due to changed circumstances since 2017.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
As stated in the ministerial response of the 11th February 2021, the Planning Inspectorate plays an independent role in the determination of objections on stretches of the England Coast Path. How to take this forward is a decision for the inspector appointed to investigate the objections, and it would not be appropriate for the Secretary of State to comment on this process.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 February 2021 to Question 153108, whether the Planning Inspector inquiring into the proposals has requested Natural England to provide new data or evidence or whether the letter requesting such data sent by Natural England to local residents is without the authority of the Inspector.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
The letter requesting new data or evidence sent by Natural England was sent in relation to the European Court ruling known as People Over Wind. To comply with this ruling Natural England has completed a full review of the relevant Habitats Regulations Assessment which will be published online in due course. This review includes the important step of approaching relevant stakeholders (and objectors who have listed nature conservation concerns in their responses) to ask if they have any new data regarding the designated features relevant to the review. This approach was agreed with the department.
This assessment is part of a separate process to the Planning Inspectorate investigation into objections. The Planning Inspector paused their investigation while the review was ongoing so that they could take the results into account in their decision.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it Government policy to remove protection from bats occupying residential space where householders have an anxiety about bats being vectors of disease; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
While bats can carry disease, the risk of transmissions to humans is very low especially if the animals are not handled. COVID-19 has not been detected in any of the UK's 17 resident breeding bat species and no coronaviruses have been found in UK bats that are harmful to humans.
Bats provide a range of benefits in ecosystems including pollination, seed dispersal and pest control. UK bat populations are thought to have reduced substantially in the middle years of the last century due to intensive farming, use of pesticides and the loss of roost sites in woodland and buildings. Given this and our 25 Year Environment Plan commitments toward protecting and recovering nature, we see no reason to remove their protected status.
Individuals should contact the national bat helpline (https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/national-bat-helpline) if they have any concerns about bats roosts. The helpline will provide advice and where appropriate can arrange for one of Natural England's volunteer bat roost visitors to inspect a property.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to ban supertrawlers from UK waters; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Baroness Prentis of Banbury
We are reviewing our policy on access for supertrawlers. This review will be driven by evidence. We will need to consider how any measures fit with our obligations under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU and avoid taking any action against individual vessels which could be construed as discriminatory.
Under the Fisheries Act 2020, vessels permitted to fish in UK waters will have to be licensed and comply with UK rules and regulations including those on sustainability. Licence conditions set by UK Sea Fisheries Authorities will apply to both UK and foreign vessels alike.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 February 2021 to Question 148676 on Public Footpaths: Christchurch, whether the Inspector plans to hold a public inquiry into the objections; and what the timeframe is for the completion of the Inspector’s report for consideration by the Secretary of State.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
The Planning Inspector plays an independent role in the determination of the objections received on a set of proposals. It is up to the Inspector to decide whether it is necessary or expedient to hold a public inquiry or other hearing in connection with the consideration of objections to Natural England’s proposals.
In the case of the Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe stretch, the Inspector’s consideration of the relevant objections has been delayed due to the impact of the European Court ruling known as People Over Wind. Natural England is reviewing the relevant Habitats Regulations Assessment in compliance with this ruling.
Given this, and the impact of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the department is unable to give a firm timeframe for the completion of this work.
Asked by: Christopher Chope (Conservative - Christchurch)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what action he is taking to ensure that coastal paths being established under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 incorporate ferry connections; and if he will ensure that the proposed coastal path between Mudeford and Hengistbury Head uses the route provided by the Mudeford ferry, taking into account the ferry times for 2021-22 as updated with effect from 1 February 2021.
Answered by Rebecca Pow
Natural England’s 2013 Approved Coastal Access Scheme sets out the criteria under which decisions regarding estuarial discretion are made. The Scheme is clear that the presence of a ferry service must be taken into account in such circumstances. This must, however, also be weighed alongside other determining factors such as public enjoyment and the coastal nature of an estuary.
The proposals for Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe in which the Mudeford Ferry sits were published on 21 June 2017. A decision regarding this Coastal Access Report has been delayed, however, due to the European Court ruling known as People Over Wind. Natural England is reviewing the relevant Habitats Regulations Assessment in compliance with this ruling. In addition, a number of objections were received following the publication of Natural England’s initial report. Defra has appointed an independent planning inspector to examine these objections who will provide a report to the Secretary of State.
This evidence and the Planning Inspectors Report will need to be considered as part of the Secretary of State’s decision on the proposals.
Natural England continues to monitor the local situation and any changes since the report was published, for example updates to the ferry timetable, will be taken into account.